§ Sir Peter MorrisonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what examples there are over the last 10 years of decisions to change green belt status; and if he will list them.
§ Mr. YeoWe remain fully committed to the purposes of the green belt in checking unrestricted urban sprawl, safeguarding the surrounding countryside, preventing neighbouring towns from merging, preserving the special character of historic towns, and assisting urban regeneration. Since 1979 the extent of green belts in England has more than doubled, to approximately 12 per cent. of the country. The Environment White Paper "This Common Inheritance" (Cm 1200) compares approved green belts in 1979 and 1989. My Department does not maintain a central record of individual additions or deletions from the green belt.